Third Dimension, manufacturers of the market leading handheld precision metrology tool GapGun, have chosen the Control show, which takes place in Stuttgart, Germany from May 3 – May 6 2011, to launch GapGun Robot+, their all-new robot operated measurement technology.

GapGun Robot + has been created to provide the ultimate precision inspection tool that not only saves significant amounts of time, but also provides a detailed audit trail of every component it measures, guaranteeing product quality.

"The quest for manufacturing precision was the defining factor in establishing GapGun," says Third Dimension Head of Sales John Kane. "This new technology provides manufacturers with proof of engineering to the tightest tolerances and also feeds information back enabling them to refine their manufacturing processes," he explains.

The product has been created in partnership with a leading aerospace engine manufacturer, who expressed an interest in the technology to check the edges of engine blades. "Clearly this is a vital element of the manufacture of aero engines and dimensional control is absolutely critical," says John. "In the manufacturing process the blades are now polished by a robot and automatically measured by GapGun Robot+. If the product passes the check it is accepted.

"In their quest for precision, the manufacturer was happy to work in close consultation with us on the development of the product. Significant amounts of the time constructing aero engines comes in component inspection. The fact that this technology saves so much time and ensures only acceptable parts are passed convinces us that we will see this type of metrology assisted manufacturing process becoming ever more commonplace."